Security cameras going in up downtown Albany

ALBANY, GA (WALB) - Security cameras are going up in downtown Albany to give emergency responders another way to keep an eye on the heart of the city.

Workers are installing 16-cameras throughout downtown, from Thronateeska Heritage Center to the Civic Center and from the River to Jackson Street. The more than $319,854 project was paid for with sales tax revenue left over because the county's radio upgrade didn't cost as much as anticipated. The cameras will be monitored by the 911 center daily but will come in especially handy during special events. The nine cameras along the river will have additional capabilities.

"Since we're not monitoring 24/7 at the close of the park when they're not being constantly monitored, they have a system in them where they can actually detect movement and they would tone 911 that there's something going on after dark when the parks closed," said Stephen Collier, Albany Central services Director.

They can also alert 911 if a large group begins to gather. Water, Gas, and Light agreed to help the city install the cameras at no charge. The cameras will officially be turned on next month.